Ok, we get it. Not everybody is into music festivals. They are loud. They are crowded. They can be pricey. Your kids learn new words and trot them out at inopportune times. So, yea, music festivals aren’t perfect and they aren’t for everyone.

So what to do? Here are some ideas. You don’t have to leave town, but you can leave your wallet at home.

1) Friday night: How about watching a screening of “Grease” at Cascade Park in the hip South Lake Union corridor? Bring a blankie, some snacks, and remember those glorious summer nights. Show begins at dusk. (333 Pontius Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109)

2) Saturday morning: Tour the Paramount Theater in person from 10-11:30 (or virtually, by clicking the above link.) Just grab your crew and meet out in front of the theater. And you’ll be able to see for yourself how the 20-year-old, $20 million dollar renovation is holding up. Have fun! (911 Pine Street, Seattle, WA 98101)

3) Saturday: After your Paramount tour, head up the hill and north a few blocks to the Seattle Asian Art Museum. From 11-2, the museum will have activities appropriate for kids 3-12. Take your own “sketching tour” of the galleries! (Volunteer Park, 1400 East Prospect Street Seattle, WA 98112)

4) Sunday: Sign up early at the Center for Wooden Boats and get yourself and a group of your friends a 45-minute boat ride in Lake Union from 10AM – 3PM.

That’s right. It’s all FREE FREE FREE! We live in such an awesome city! And there will still be plenty of time – and money – leftover if you decide you want to do Bumbershoot!

Enjoy a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. Reminder the school is closed on Sunday and Monday. We’ll see you back on Tuesday!